Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Pig ‘N Whistle

Since 1927. Located on Hollywood Blvd this restaurant is one of the few surviving old Hollywood locations still opened. It is next to the Old Egyptian Theatre so Pig and Whistle served as a place where Shirley Temple, Cary Grant and others ate prior to a premiere.

Los Angeles, CA

cafe • restaurants

The Original Pantry Cafe

Opened since 1924. Open 24/7 and has never closed their door for almost 100 years! The Pantry serves large portions of American Classic Diner food in DTLA. Great breakfasts here!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Cole's French Dip

Opened since 1908. This is one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles and home of the classic French Dip. I love the location of this restaurant as it is on the lower floor of the old Pacific Electric Building. Their sandwiches unlike Philippe’s, the other originator, offers the au jus on the side which is the classic way to eat one of these sandwiches. Dip and eat!

Beverly Hills, CA

restaurants

The Polo Lounge

Opened since 1941. This has Hollywood history in its walls! The lounge is lovely and located inside the famous Beverly Hills hotel. Brunching with Bellinis here are outstanding!

Glendale, CA

restaurants

The Great White Hut

Opened since 1947. I honestly cannot believe this place is still here! It is a piece of post WWII Americana that you need to experience. The Great White Hut is a little outdoor burger stand with bar stools around it. Growing up Glendale, this was a staple for us youth. This city is changing and you need to experience this type of dining before Glendale changes too much!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Cindy's

Opened since 1948. Cindy’s is a legendary retro coffee shop in Eagle Rock, which is in between Glendale and Pasadena. Delicious American diner classics in a very retro diner.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Canter's Restaurant, Bakery, Deli and Bar

Opened since 1931. Canter’s is a famed Jewish delicatessen that has served Hollywood’s Elite for decades. It is located on Fairfax which is in a Jewish neighborhood, outside of Beverly Hills.

Buena Park, CA

restaurants

Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant

Opened since 1934. This restaurant was the start of the amusement park “Knott’s Berry Farm”. Even if you don’t go into the park, you can still down some fried chicken and berry pie. Yeah, I love their pie!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Tam O'Shanter

Opened since 1925. A favorite for almost 100 years for Hollywood’s A-List of yesteryear. Walt Disney, John Wayne and Mary Pickford to name a few. The exterior is very sweet as it was designed with by a Hollywood set designer to resemble something out of a storybook.

Burbank, CA

restaurants

Chili John's

Opened since 1946. Known for their chili on top of spaghetti noodles which they have been serving since the day they opened!

West Hollywood, CA

restaurants

Barney's Beanery

Opened since 1927. This restaurant is a legend. If you are looking for a restaurant that was visited by Old Hollywood’s Elite as well as Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, it’s Barney’s. There are now a few more locations but Santa Monica Blvd is the original location and it does not compare to the newer ones.

Burbank, CA

restaurants

Bob's Big Boy

Opened since 1949. A classic hamburger place that originated in Glendale circa 1936. This is the oldest remaining Bob’s and is noted for their “Original Big Boy” burger. Brings back memories!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Art's Delicatessen & Restaurant

Opened since 1957. This traditional Jewish Deli had always been a hotspot when I lived in Studio City for awhile. Great sandwiches, very legit Jewish Deli!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

NORMS Restaurant

Norm’s was a 1950s chain that we grew up with. The Googie sineage was always welcoming! This location is the oldest in L.A. and you can find a few here and there around SoCal.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Astro Family Restaurant

Opened since 1958. There are not to many Googie Architecture buildings left, let alone an original restaurant inside a Googie. This diner has changed names in the past but has kept “Astro “ from the mid 70s. Delicious diner food from morning till night.

Glendale, CA

restaurants • shopping

Mario's Italian Deli & Market

Opened since 1961. This charming little Italian delicatessen has survived. I honestly believe for their sandwiches! Sometimes we still talk about the meatball or other deli cut sandwiches. “Remember Mario’s? “ ... “Yeah, Mario’s!”

Burbank, CA

restaurants

Castaway Burbank

Opened since 1963. Located up above Burbank with great views, this restaurant was the place of places back in the day. It still is a charming place for all day dining within a nautical themed restaurant.

Pasadena, CA

restaurants

Pie'n Burger

Opened since 1963. Another great L.A. diner from the 60s. Great food and legit retro atmosphere.

Glendale, CA

restaurants

Dinah’s Chicken

Opened since 1967- Another vintage Glendale restaurant! The interior and exterior still has that 60s charm and still serves great fried chicken!

Glendale, CA

restaurants

Scarantino's Italian Inn

Opened Since 1967- A local Glendale favorite growing up. Not much has changed inside and the food is pretty old school.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

House of Pies

Opened since 1969- This vintage restaurant never gets old. Their pies have been popular since the start and offer a coffee shop menu.

South Pasadena, CA

restaurants

Shakers

Opened since 1971. This restaurant was a chain of American comfort food. The interior still has that 70s feel. Shakers was a favorite of ours growing up in SoCal!

West Hollywood, CA

bar • restaurants

Rainbow Bar & Grill

Opened since 1972- The Bow on Sunset has been a widely popular hangout for Hollywood’s locals and celebs. Fun place to people watch!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Astro Burger

Opened since 1974. This is a retro burger place on Melrose that now serves Greek food. You can still get a burger and fries just to kick it Old school.

Santa Monica, CA

restaurants

Ye Olde King's Head

Opened since 1974- This British restaurant has remained in Santa Monica throughout the changes of the now popular 3rd Street Promenade. I have met up with friends here for a decade and it is always a delicious time!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles

West Coast Chicken and Waffles before it was popular! There are several locations in the LA area, I preferred the Pasadena one because it is less crowded. Great soul food options here.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Cielito Lindo

Opened since 1934. One of the oldest restaurants on the oldest street in Los Angeles! This is a little Mexican food stand with legit tacos and burritos.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Folliero's Italian Food and Pizza

Opened Since 1968. I used to eat here once or twice a week when I was a teenager. The lasagna is great and has spoiled me to where I cannot eat lasagna from other restaurants. The pizza is fantastic here too.

Glendale, CA

restaurants

Foxy’s Restaurant

Opened since 1964. A little A-Frame restaurant next to the enormous modern Americana Mall. I still come here for breakfast with my friends when I visit and have one of their Bloody Mary’s!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Won Kok Restaurant

Opened since 1976- one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. My family used to come here a lot. It is opened late so it was a great place to go after concerts.

Pasadena, CA

restaurants

The Hat

Opened since 1951. This pastrami joint offers greasy and salty huge pastrami sandwiches that are legendary!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Musso & Frank Grill

Opened since 1919. A true Hollywood Classic that has outlived other restaurants along the Walk of Fame. This is a favorite of mine due to the old Hollywood history, the hard cocktails, the vintage atmosphere and a great menu of old school classics.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Miceli's

Opened since 1949. A favorite Italian restaurant and the oldest in Hollywood! Great pizza, Chianti, pasta and atmosphere!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Pink's Hot Dogs

Opened since 1939. I don’t know what they do their hot dogs but I swear they are great! There is always a line but it moves fast. Hot dogs are named after celebrities and you might see one standing in line here.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Du-Pars Restaurant and Bakery

Opened since 1938. This was an L.A. chain American diner and only a few remain. This is the original location at Farmers Market and has been a favorite of my cousins. We breakfast here when I am in town.

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Pioneer Chicken

Pioneer was a chicken chain that we all grew up on in SoCal. It rivaled the Colonel and I liked it much better. It is an orange colored batter, deep fried and so delicious . There are one or two left in L.A.- Thank God!

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

The Original Philippe

Opened since 1908. This Deli is the home of the original French dipped sandwich. Cole’s also claims the same thing! Only difference is Philippe’s actually dips the roll prior. This process was created by accident when the roll was dropped into a pan of hot dripping and a police officer said he would take it. That officer returned the next day with others asking for another dipped sandwich. This was back in 1918, ten years after they opened so I suppose they are the originators of the “Dipped “ sandwich. It is delicious all the same!

Los Angeles, CA

destination • experience • restaurants • shopping

Farmers Market Place

The Farmers Market is a historic piece of Los Angeles. It first opened in the 30s and has been a strong attraction since. The over 100 vendors sell everything from produce, specialty foods to let's eat meals!

Glendale, CA

cafe • restaurants

Porto's Bakery and Cafe

Since 1973 Porto's has been a local's Favorite. This Cuban bakery empire originated in this location, Glendale! Favorites are the potato balls, guava rolls, croquets, flan and any other items. So good!

Downey, CA

experience • restaurants

McDonald's

Opened since 1953. I honestly do not do McDonald’s anymore but I have been to this location before because it is the oldest running McDonald’s in the world! PS... That is me standing in line to the right! ;)

Los Angeles, CA

restaurants

Original Tommy's Parking

Opened since 1946. It goes without saying that Tommy’s was what teenagers ate in L.A. and until now they still do! There are many locations but Rampart is the original. Hollywood’s Elite and locals have stood in line here for a chili burger and fries. It is messy a The greasy but it is legendary!